43556, Sherwood, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43556, Sherwood, Ohio is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.26 percent of residents in 43556 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Community Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.61 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Sherwood, Ohio (ZIP Code 43556)

The journey to manage hypertension in Sherwood, Ohio (ZIP Code 43556), is a complex one, intricately woven with threads of transportation and healthcare access. This write-up will assess the "Hypertension Score" for residents, considering the crucial elements of commute times, available transportation options, and the proximity of healthcare facilities equipped to address this prevalent condition. For those contemplating moving to Sherwood, understanding this score is vital for proactive health management.

Sherwood, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The Hypertension Score will reflect the realities of getting to and from appointments, filling prescriptions, and receiving necessary medical care. The score will be a nuanced assessment, acknowledging the limitations and highlighting the potential for improvement.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries of Healthcare**

The primary mode of transportation in Sherwood is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The time it takes to reach healthcare providers is a critical factor in the Hypertension Score. Residents primarily rely on Ohio State Route 24 and U.S. Route 6 to navigate the region. These highways serve as the main arteries, connecting Sherwood to larger towns and cities where specialized medical care is more readily available.

A typical drive to the nearest hospital, such as ProMedica Defiance Hospital, located approximately 15 miles east, can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This drive involves navigating Route 24, a two-lane highway prone to slower speeds during peak hours and inclement weather. This travel time directly impacts the Hypertension Score, as longer commutes can deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention and adhering to treatment plans.

Accessing specialist care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, often necessitates a longer drive. Major medical centers in Fort Wayne, Indiana, approximately an hour's drive west via U.S. Route 24, offer a wider array of specialized services. This longer commute, while providing access to superior care, further diminishes the Hypertension Score, particularly for those with mobility limitations or without reliable transportation.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Sherwood are extremely limited. The lack of a robust public transit system significantly impacts the Hypertension Score. There is no readily available public bus service that directly serves Sherwood. This absence creates a significant barrier for individuals who cannot drive, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals without access to a personal vehicle.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation options, potentially increasing the cost and complexity of accessing healthcare. This deficiency weighs heavily on the Hypertension Score, highlighting the need for improved transportation solutions to enhance healthcare access for all residents.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available in Sherwood, but their presence is inconsistent and availability can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability presents a challenge for individuals needing to schedule regular appointments or access urgent care. The availability and cost of ride-sharing services further impact the Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies serve the region, including First Call Medical Transportation and MedRide. These services provide door-to-door transportation, often accommodating individuals with mobility limitations. However, medical transportation services can be costly, and their availability may be limited, particularly for non-emergency appointments. The reliance on these services, while valuable, can still negatively affect the Hypertension Score due to cost and logistical considerations.

**Healthcare Facilities: The Pillars of Support**

The availability of healthcare facilities within and around Sherwood is crucial to the Hypertension Score. Sherwood does not have its own hospital. However, the town does have a local clinic, Sherwood Family Practice, which offers primary care services. This clinic is a vital resource for managing hypertension, providing regular check-ups, medication management, and patient education.

For specialized care, residents must travel to nearby towns and cities. ProMedica Defiance Hospital, as previously mentioned, offers a range of services, including cardiology and internal medicine. The proximity of this hospital, although requiring a drive, improves the Hypertension Score compared to communities with longer travel times to the nearest medical facility.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment**

The Hypertension Score for Sherwood, Ohio (ZIP Code 43556), is a reflection of the interplay between transportation, healthcare access, and the specific needs of individuals managing hypertension. The score is negatively impacted by the limited public transportation options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the drive times to access specialized care. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation offers some relief, but these options are often costly and may not be readily available.

The presence of a local clinic, Sherwood Family Practice, and the proximity of ProMedica Defiance Hospital positively influence the score, providing essential primary care and access to specialized services within a reasonable distance. However, the overall score is hampered by the challenges associated with transportation.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To enhance the Hypertension Score and improve healthcare access for residents of Sherwood, several strategies are recommended. Investing in or partnering with existing transportation services to offer a demand-response public transit system, even if limited, would significantly benefit those without personal vehicles. Promoting and subsidizing ride-sharing or medical transportation services could also make healthcare more accessible.

Community initiatives that focus on health education and chronic disease management can empower residents to take proactive steps in managing their hypertension. The implementation of telehealth services, allowing for remote consultations and monitoring, could reduce the need for frequent travel.

**Moving to Sherwood: A Consideration of Health**

For individuals considering moving to Sherwood, understanding the Hypertension Score is critical. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those with hypertension should factor in the drive times to healthcare providers, the availability of transportation options, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care.

By carefully considering these factors, prospective residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they have access to the resources necessary to effectively manage their hypertension. The commitment to improving transportation and healthcare access in Sherwood will ultimately benefit the entire community, creating a healthier and more supportive environment for all residents.